International Students Explore Zulu Culture

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Nestled in the heart of Albert Falls - a small town just outside Pietermaritzburg - lie the rural plains of Ecabazini Zulu Homestead. This pristine valley which seems untouched by the Western world overlooks the Albert Falls Dam and is surrounded by lush green forests with traditional huts, a kraal and Nguni cows.

International students at UKZN were treated to a tour of Ecabazini organised by the International Relations Office. After a long drive, upon arrival, they mingled with other international scholars from France, Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Executive Director for Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, formally welcomed students to UKZN and the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and wished them well as they headed for a truly authentic Zulu breakfast of amagwinya (vetkoeks) and refreshments.

Greeted by the farm owner, David and his friendly staff, uMaka Mge, Philisiwe and Lungelo, the students were transported back in time as they learnt about how the Zulu people originally lived. Highlighting the differences in the dress code for young maidens and married women, Maka Mge explained that betrothed women wear isidwaba - a skirt made out of cow skin, isicholo - a hat, and ibhayi - a cloth draped around the shoulders.

The students examined a Zulu traditional homestead with huts laid out in a circle and the kraal placed in the centre to protect the cows from wild animals. David noted that indl’enkulu - the house at the top of the circle - is always the biggest, is aligned with the entrance to the homestead and is reserved for the eldest person in the family. With a small entrance and no windows, the huts are the perfect architectural structure to keep cool in the African climate.

Given the importance of cattle for the Zulu nation, David explained how Nguni cows were named and their various uses, from providing clothing, meat, and milk to make sour milk (maas), to being a symbol of wealth as well as a means to pay the bridal price (ilobolo).

David traced the history of the Zulu nation and its monarchy, noting that Shaka Zulu was one of the most influential kings ever due to his military prowess. He also reflected on the struggles of electing a Zulu heir that persist to this day.

Exploring gender roles, it was noted that women took on extensive household duties while men were at war, including thatching roofs, creating the walls of the huts by sandwiching rocks and mud together and using termite nests and cow dung for flooring.

Students were given the opportunity to make icansi (a mat) using wetland reeds, ukusinda (polishing the floor with cow dung), ukugaya amabele (grinding sorghum grain using a rock), and to engage in stick fighting. They were also shown how the farm produces sustainable energy by using cow dung and water to produce methane gas.

A traditional meal of braaied meat, boiled mealies, cabbage and chicken, uphuthu (maize meal) and chutney was served for lunch which included a taste of umqombothi (traditional Zulu beer).

Ecabazini staff members closed off with a Zulu song and dance, with staff and students joining in.

Commenting on the tour, SRC President, Mr Malusi Zuma, said as a Zulu man, he was surprised to learn many new things about his culture. He praised the traditional African way of life as a sustainable means of reducing global warming and greenhouse gas emissions and encouraged others to go back to their roots.

He also congratulated the International Relations Office for putting together an amazing trip for the international students that showcased the rich heritage of KZN. 

French exchange students Ms Lucille Maurice and Ms Romane Ozenne said they knew nothing about Zulu culture before the tour and that the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the food.

Another international student, Ms Tinotenda Maverudze said that the tour had inspired her to the extent that she was considering taking history as an elective towards her degree.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini